What many long time East-Dallasites remember as the Yacht Club is soon re-opening it’s doors to the public as The Lot. Though the two have little in common other than their shared-address, I think many of us that drove by the vacant, run-down building day after day knew it had some real potential. It appears to have fallen into the right hands.

What I had envisioned before visiting The Lot was a Katy-Trail Ice House meets Sandbar Cantina. After taking two steps in this place I realized it was much, much more – in a good way. Take the beer garden of Katy Trail Ice House, the atmosphere of Goodfriend, plus a completely unique and surprisingly upscale restaurant and bar area (almost Cedars Social-like in a way), blend the three together and you might imagine something that resembles The Lot.

According to the press release on Feb. 19th, owner John McBride, whose family previously owned and operated El Fenix explains the concept: “The idea is to create a modern-day third place, giving our neighbors a new place to unwind and savor a meal that’s unique and extraordinary — a place they can call their own”. In my opinion, McBride has put the right pieces in place to accomplish his vision.